Sleep Disorders

[qjk2000]

I need help. I have been unable to get any sleep for more than 3 months. No, not lack of sleep but NOT SLEEPING AT ALL for 3 months. The moment I try to sleep, my mind will brighten up and I will lie awake the whole night till morning. As a result I feel tired during the day. Everytime I try to catch a nap even during the day, my mind will just refuse to sleep inspite of being so drowsy. It's as if my mind is working 24 hours a day non-stop without sleep. This may sound incredulous but it is true.

As a result, my body feels numb all over especially around the legs. I am losing my sense of taste, not to mention my ability to recall what I may have just read a moment before. I am really getting worried as I don't want to take sleeping pills and be dependent on them forever as I know that in the long term they will cause more harm than good, e.g., more memory loss. Because of the sleep disorder, I no longer have any erections or interest in sex anymore. It's as if I am just existing but no longer living.

My breathing is shallow nowadays and I feel congestion round the chest area when I lie down. Could this be a contibutory factor to my not sleeping? I know I have excessive worrying too. Can anyone advise me what to do? Even writing has become a chore to me because I am no longer that lucid and I have difficulty constructing sentences and making sense of words and making the connection between events and things that happen around me. I feel I might go beserk at any time.

Please help, I live in Malaysia. Maybe you might know a good doctor who can help me in Malaysia.

Regards, Keat

[halvard]

You poor thing. Guess what? I had the same problem for six months. I was ready to listen to a psychopharmocologist (one who works with combination meds). I tried one medication after the next. The only person that helped me was a brilliant psychopharm. who put me on a combination of three medications: Dalmane, Amytriptyline and Klonopin. If you want to save your sanity and lovelife, then maybe you must realize it is possible that you need help. That is up to you. These meds helped me. I do not give them as medical advice. My only advice is to SEEK HELP NOW.

[halvard]

Keat,

Are you sleeping yet? Have you been to a psychopharmacologist?

This is NOT your fault OK? This could just be a chemical imbalance. So simple to fix, Keat.

Liz-lacka-sleepa in previous lifa

[qjk2000]

Dear Liz,

Been to a psychiatrist who has prescribed me prozac, remedene and a sleeping tablet (can't remeber the name). I do have sleep nowadays but it is not deep sleep, it is filled with dreams. Anyway, I have regained the sensitivity in my limbs which were numb at the peak of my misery. I'm about 60% of my former self now but I am still glad because I am almost "normal" again. I was almost insane at one point when I felt that nobody understood my situation. My family and friends really gave me the encouragement & support I needed when I felt like giving up.

Anyway, many thanks for your concern.

Regards,
Quek

[halvard]

Oh yes,

Very good, very good. If the meds have to be changed around a bit fine. Prozac is really an old school SSRI at this point. If it agitates you, you can always opt for the newer versions. Even a trycyclic antidep. could work with the other two meds. Just ease your mind and know that you will be fine.

GOOD JOB. GOOD JOB. I am so very proud of you, Quek. Great.

XOXOXO

Liz-nowa-sleepa

[qjk2000]

Dear Liz,

Thanks for your encouragement. You're probably the only person from cyber space who responded with specific recommendations on the type of medication for my sleep disorder. Good to know that there are people like you who are caring.

Warm regards,
Quek

[halvard]

QUEK,

You made my day!


Let me know how the Prozac and two other meds work. What is your sleeping pill - Ambien? Your sleep will slowly start to improve, day by day. Some nights may be bad - do not be discouraged - and others better. The pattern is upwards. The trend is what you have to see. Always be positive. I can tell you that it will all work out for you. I just know. So do not go twizzling yourself into a noodle lock.

Look up to the sky, and tell me what you see. If it is sunny and bright, then you must smile for me!!!!!

Lizzy

[qjk2000]

Dear Lizzy,

The sky has been sunny for me in the last 3 weeks unlike the gloomy, downcast sky before. I'm smiling for you right now, really mean it!

Warm regards,
Quek

[halvard]

Thanks, Quek.

If you do not mind, please - smile for me again. Today I was told that I have a serious condition with my feet beyond normal foot neuroma. See my post, Give Me Hope under Morton's Neuroma.

Well, the Rheumatologist (I have Rheumatoid Arthritis) could not guarantee whether or not I would wind up in a wheel chair. Confined by this horrible disease. That is my post.

So Quek, with love and hugs before yet another surgery in my life - please, could you kindly PRAY for me too?

Elizabeth

[qjk2000]

Dear Elizabeth,

Sorry for the late reply. Just got back from a 4-days retreat up in the cool hills (Fraser's Hill) of Malaysia. I will most certainly pray for you. As for the sleeping tablet I have been taking, it's xanax.

Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Which time zone are you in? I can always synchronise my prayers for you if you can tell me when it's convenient for you (and in the most receptive mode). Doesn't matter if I am in the office 'cos it will only take a few minutes off my schedule to send some positive vibes to you. If you believe in a supreme being, may he guard and watch over you till you have full recovery. If you are agnostic, may the universe unravel its compassionate energies for your healing. Lizzy, you are not alone.

Warm regards,
Quek